Vietnam Airlines

About Vietnam Airlines

Photo by Rebius

Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam, offering an extensive flight network that connects destinations both domestically and internationally.

Year Founded: April 1993

Logo: Golden Lotus Chairman: Mr. Duong Tri Thanh (since June 1, 2016)

Fleet: Boeing 787, Airbus A350-900, A321, ATR 72

Alliance: SkyTeam

Vietnam Airlines dominates a significant portion of domestic flight routes within Vietnam, as well as operating direct flights to several major Asian capitals. Passengers traveling from Europe can enjoy direct flights from cities like Paris, London, and Frankfurt to Vietnam's international airports.

International Routes

For a detailed overview of routes, visit the Vietnam Airlines route map.

Domestic Routes

Vietnam Airlines' fleet efficiently connects key tourist attractions and cities such as Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Dalat, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. With one-way fares from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City starting around $100, travelers can save time compared to train journeys, which often cost similarly for comfortable accommodations.

Vietnam Airlines Route Map. Source: VietnamAirlines.com 

Frequent Flyer Program

Since joining the SkyTeam alliance in June 2010, Vietnam Airlines has provided its passengers with improved international travel options alongside esteemed carriers like Delta Airlines, Aeroflot, Air France, and Korean Air. The airline also offers Vietnam's only frequent flyer program, Golden Lotus Plus, although it currently doesn't allow for mileage accumulation from other loyalty programs like Aeroplan or Asia Miles.

In addition to its longstanding commitment to quality service and safety, Vietnam Airlines frequently offers competitive travel promotions. For instance, deals like a round-trip ticket from Hanoi to Singapore, which includes airport transfer and a two-night stay in a 3-star hotel, can cost as little as $250 during promotional periods. It’s advisable to check the Promotions section on the Vietnam Airlines website regularly to discover the best offers.

Vietnam Airlines Baggage Allowance

The baggage allowances for Vietnam Airlines are outlined below:

Checked Luggage

For flights within Asia, including domestic routes, Economy class passengers are permitted a maximum of 20kg of checked luggage, while Business class allows for up to 30kg. International flights to and from Europe and Australia allow Economy passengers a total of 40kg, while Business class passengers can check in luggage weighing 60kg. Flights to and from North, Central, and South America permit two pieces of luggage weighing up to 23kg each for both Economy and Business Class.

Hand Luggage

Passengers in Economy class can bring one free item on board, while Business class travelers may carry two, with each item not exceeding 7kg. The combined dimensions for these items should not exceed 115 cm. Additional items allowed on board include a handbag, laptop, or a small camera, among others.

Excess Baggage

The excess baggage fee on domestic routes is competitively priced at $2 per kg. For international flights, the fees vary—$20 per kg for routes to and from Asia, Europe, and Australia, while $50 applies to pieces weighing between 23 and 32kg or for an additional bag on flights to and from North, Central, and South America.

For further information, visit the Vietnam Airlines page or refer to the Airlines Luggage Comparison Chart.

Vietnam Airlines Business Class

The airline offers a Business class option that includes premium benefits such as access to airport lounges, gourmet in-flight meals, and attentive service. While the seats provide considerable comfort, the value for short domestic flights may not be perceived as the best by some travelers.

For long-haul flights, the level of comfort and luggage allowance distinctly exceeds that of Economy class. However, feedback suggests that Vietnam Airlines' Business Class could still enhance its offerings to align more closely with those of leading international airlines.

Inflight Meals

Vietnam Airlines provides a satisfactory meal service during flights, with an emphasis on quality and taste. The airline is recognized for its comfortable seating and attentive cabin crew, who are responsive to passenger requests. The shrimp dishes are particularly recommended for freshness and quality. Additionally, specially prepared meals for Muslim travelers are available.

However, some passengers have noted that certain food options may not meet expectations when compared to competitors. For example, sandwiches may not appeal to all palates, and some bread rolls have been described as overly tough. On short domestic or international flights, snack offerings are limited to water and simple snacks without a wider drink selection.

Vietnam Airlines Safety Records

Vietnam Airlines maintains a commendable safety record, with no fatal accidents since 1997. The fleet has shown continuous improvement in safety standards over the years.

Recent incidents concerning the airline have predominantly involved emergency landings due to technical issues or hoaxes regarding potential threats. According to the Aviation Safety Network, Vietnam Airlines has reported only six incidents since the 1990s, with two involving fatalities, both of which were addressed seriously after the fact.

This solid safety track record reflects the airline's reputation as Vietnam's national carrier and the general focus on shorter-haul flights compared to some other global airlines. Currently, the longest routes offered by Vietnam Airlines are to Paris and London.

In 2006, the airline achieved the Operational Safety Audit Certificate from IATA, a prestigious safety standard applicable to international airlines. This certification has further reinforced its standing within the global aviation community.